Eprescribing initiatives and knowledge acquisition in ambulatory care

Abstract

Electronic prescribing [eprescribing] is where prescriptions are generated through an automated data-entry process utilizing special software and a network linked to pharmacies. National and state initiatives are intended but are not yet very effective in educating and encouraging healthcare providers to use eprescribing. This study included interviews with 102 healthcare providers from 52 locations (California, Indiana, New Hampshire, and Ohio) to determine the providers' knowledge of eprescribing initiatives as well as how they acquired knowledge about these systems. Providers in New Hampshire had the most knowledge of eprescribing systems and their state initiative. Among nonusers, only two facilities were familiar with the national initiatives. Nonusers comprised 71% of the interviews. Eprescribing information was acquired through journals, conferences, pharmacies, other providers and in some cases when receiving care as a patient. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.